Marlborough police were on the lookout Friday night for a man they said tried to abduct an 18-year-old woman.

The woman told police that the man flagged her down for help as she was driving on Wallace Cross Road near Troy Road Friday morning. When she got out of the car to help him, police said, he tried to grab her, but she was able to get away.

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The woman said she loves animals and was on her way to feed horses, so the ploy the man used worked perfectly. She said he told her that he had just run over a dog and needed help.

"He put his arms out, waved his arms. She stopped, and the gentleman said he had just hit a dog and would she help him," said Marlborough Police Chief Christopher J. Lyons.

Marlborough police said it occurred just before 8:30 a.m. Friday. They said the man flagged down the 18-year-old victim as she turned on to Wallace Cross Road.

Investigators said the woman got out to help, and almost immediately, the man grabbed her by the arm and tried to pull her to his vehicle, which was parked in a turnout space.

"She was able to break free, get in her car and speed off," Lyons said.

The victim drove to her grandparents' house, and they contacted police. Marlborough police immediately alerted regional law enforcement to be on the lookout for the man, who was said to be driving a red truck.

"It's a tall, white male. Skinny (with) short sideburns, spiky hair, dark hair The vehicle description is a big, red pickup, and that's all we have at this time," Lyons said.

Marlborough residents said news of what the woman's ordeal is unsettling.